Paralegal

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Metra’s Law Department is supported by the General Counsel, who reports to Metra’s Board of Directors and CEO. The department provides legal counsel to the Board, Metra’s senior leadership and every department in the agency. The department is organized into three teams: Governance/Team Support, Corporate/Regulatory, and Litigation/Risk Management. Metra’s Ethics Officer is a member of the department. The Law Department focuses on proactively identifying and addressing legal issues in support of Metra’s mission to deliver safe, reliable, efficient, and affordable commuter rail service that enhances the economic and environmental health of Northeast Illinois.

Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel, the Paralegal will provide administrative support and moderately complex paralegal services to department attorneys; may be assigned tasks specific to litigation, corporate law, or risk management; maintain legal records, documents, and files; conduct research; collect information; compose routine legal correspondence; and respond to requests for information.

This position will require specialized, technical, or functional expertise within one or more of the assigned areas.

The primary duties include: Respond to questions on various topics; fulfill internal and external requests for information, including drafting responses to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and appeals. Organize, maintain, and update paper and computerized records and files; coordinate the collection and flow of information, documents, and public records; act as liaison with other departments to facilitate information exchange; and ensure their security and confidentiality. Draft abstract and analyze legal documents; may draft discovery and investigate facts including, interrogatories and requests to produce and date stamp documents; interview witnesses; and summarize depositions and medical records. Research case information; search public records and other legal sources for procedural, administrative, and case law; retrieve and verify sources and citations from statutes, recorded judicial decisions, and legal articles. Prepare and file pleadings and affidavits; deliver materials to local courts; attend court and docket appearances; handle court follow-ups; and travel within the service area for the purpose of retrieving and preserving documents necessary for discovery and trial. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration. 

1. An Associate degree in Paralegal Studies, a Paralegal Certificate from an ABA accredited institution or be actively enrolled in a Paralegal Certificate program from an ABA accredited institution with an expected completion date within six (6) months of date of hire, or any combination of education and experience that equals two (2) years as a legal assistant or support specialist. 
2. In addition to #1, must have two (2) years of experience working as a legal assistant or paralegal conducting research, preparing documents, scheduling meetings, maintaining files, and drafting responses to requests and appeals.
3. Working knowledge of court procedures, filing requirements, pleading rules, and the subpoena process.
4. Working knowledge of legal terminology and practices.
5. Working knowledge of recordkeeping, case management, report preparation, and research techniques and methodologies.
6. Working knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Open Meetings Act (OMA) requirements.
7. Familiar with local, state, and federal regulations related to railroad transportation.
8. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint); and litigation-related computer applications and databases.
9. Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate legal subject matter in a professional manner with employees at all levels within the agency, external organizations, and the general public.
10. Strong organizational, administrative, analytical, and time management skills.
11. Ability to interpret and apply specific laws and ordinances.
12. Ability to perform legal research, draft legal documents, and summarize complex documents and transcripts.
13. Ability to practice and foster an atmosphere of teamwork and cooperation on varying tasks with shifting priorities.
14. Ability to work independently in the absence of specific instructions on tasks of varying complexity within established deadlines.
15. Ability to work under pressure and meet established deadlines.
16.  Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.
17. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
18. Must be willing to travel within Metra’s 6-country region.

Preferred:

1. Paralegal Certificate from an ABA accredited institution is preferred.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for pre-employment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.